Situated in the Great Rift Valley 120km from Arusha, Tarangire National Park features very different scenery to the Serengeti and other parks in the north.
Featuring a hot, dry climate and semi-arid grasslands punctuated with peculiar ‘upside down’ baobab trees, flat-topped acacias and red termite mounds, Tarangire supports a large number of rare species you don’t see in the other reserves. Its 2,850 square kilometres harbour the long-necked gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx. In the dry season (July to September) the permanent waters of the Tarangire River are a magnet for plains game from the park’s parched outskirts.
Large prides of lion are common here, as well as leopard, cheetah and hyena attracted by the abundant prey. Elephants in herds up to 300 strong and graceful southern giraffe are also key features of this park.
Location
Why should I visit Tarangire National Park?
- Strange, captivating landscapes completely unlike the Serengeti
- Ancient baobab trees
- Grasslands dotted with red termite mounds
- Rare species not found in Tanzania’s northern parks
- Enormous elephant herds and mighty prides of lion
- Plentiful plains game including zebra, buffalo and kudu
- Attendant predators including leopard and cheetah
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
The dry season (June to September) is when most of the waterholes have dried up, so wildlife come from all corners of the park to drink along the Tarangire River. While this means good viewing and fine weather for tourists, it can also mean that the park and its lodges can be busy. Rain falls mostly between November and May, meaning wildlife is trickier to spot amid all the greenery. Other positives for travelling during this time include superb birdlife and lower rates.
Recommended
Tarangire Sample Itineraries
The following itineraries are just some of the many experiences that we can design for you. All of our tours are private, independent and tailor-made to your personal travelling requirements. Please contact us to begin creating your personalised Tanzania experience.
Antiquities & Wildlife
Explore the antiquities of Africa on this 16 day tour to Tanzania and Egypt. Explore the Pyramids of Giza and Marvel at the mighty Shypnx
Gorillas, Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar
Encounter Rwanda's rare Mountain Gorillas and explore Tanzania's finest safari destinations before relaxing on the white sand beaches of exotic Zanzibar.
Tanzania Bush and Beach
Marvel at the incredible diversity of Tanzania combining the exotic island of Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, both abundant in wildlife.
Tanzania’s Northern Treasures
Experience three of Tanzania’s best known national parks and the country’s epic wildlife in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the celebrated Serengeti.
Our Recommended
Luxury accommodation in Tarangire
The following are some of the lodges and tented camps that we recommend in the Tarangire National Park region. For information on additional accommodation not featured, please contact us.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Sitting at the top of an escarpment with sweeping views across the perennial Tarangire River and valley below, Lemala Mpingo Ridge offers not just sensational views but outstanding standards of
Little Oliver’s Camp
Little Oliver’s Camp offers an exclusive experience of Tarangire National Park, with only five beautiful tents full of handmade furniture, indoor and outdoor showers and private decks.
Nimali Tarangire
Small and intimate Nimali Tarangire is a hidden gem located in a private concession bordering Tarangire National Park.
Oliver’s Camp
Located in the remote south of Tarangire National Park, Oliver’s Camp offers authentic bush luxury with just 10 well-appointed ensuite tents, each with indoor and outdoor showers and private verandas.
Sanctuary Swala Camp
Set in a very secluded corner of Tarangire National Park, Sanctuary Swala offers twelve canvas pavilions that epitomise luxury and an exclusive safari experience of this picturesque reserve.
Tarangire Safari Lodge
Family-run Tarangire Safari Lodge features spacious ensuite tents and thatched bungalows as well as panoramic vistas of the plains and game by the Tarangire River below.
Tarangire Treetops
Situated just outside Tarangire National Park, this enchanting safari camp features 20 elevated open-fronted guest bedrooms with views across the Tarangire plains.
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